Sudan: Humanitarian needs deepen amid rising hostilities and heavy rains
The UN voiced grave alarm over escalating hostilities in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state.
Serious risk of renewed violence
Large numbers of RSF fighters reportedly entered the city on Friday for the first time since the siege began over a year ago.
Local sources report that recent fierce fighting, particularly in the southwest and east of El Fasher, has led to civilian casualties.
'The situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable, with a serious risk of renewed violence, as well as further displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations – which are already under severe strain,' OCHA said.
Insecurity in North Kordofan state
Meanwhile, in North Kordofan State, growing insecurity forced 3,400 people to flee their homes over the weekend, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Local reports indicate that at least 18 civilians were killed, and homes were burned in several villages.
OCHA reminded all parties that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and that civilians must be protected at all times.
Rainy season constraints
Meanwhile, heavy rains have been reported in West and Central Darfur states, which may affect road conditions in some locations and worsen the challenges humanitarians are already facing in accessing people in need.
'With the rainy season continuing through October, the risk of floods, access constraints and disease outbreaks is growing – especially during this critical lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low,' OCHA warned.
Families return to West Darfur
The agency said that despite the crisis, signs of small-scale returns are visible in West Darfur state, where displaced families have been returning from Chad to three localities – Sirba, Jebel Moon and Kulbus – to cultivate their farms.
Furthermore, local authorities report about 40 people returning daily to Kulbus, with 300 arriving over the past week.
OCHA urged all parties to enable safe and unimpeded access to all people in need across Sudan, and for donors to step up their support.
Some 30 million people nationwide – more than half the population – need vital aid and protection this year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).
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Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Sudan: Humanitarian needs deepen amid rising hostilities and heavy rains
Nearly 27 months have passed since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a former ally, the paramilitary Rapid Security Forces (RSF), creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The UN voiced grave alarm over escalating hostilities in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state. Serious risk of renewed violence Large numbers of RSF fighters reportedly entered the city on Friday for the first time since the siege began over a year ago. Local sources report that recent fierce fighting, particularly in the southwest and east of El Fasher, has led to civilian casualties. 'The situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable, with a serious risk of renewed violence, as well as further displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations – which are already under severe strain,' OCHA said. Insecurity in North Kordofan state Meanwhile, in North Kordofan State, growing insecurity forced 3,400 people to flee their homes over the weekend, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM). Local reports indicate that at least 18 civilians were killed, and homes were burned in several villages. OCHA reminded all parties that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and that civilians must be protected at all times. Rainy season constraints Meanwhile, heavy rains have been reported in West and Central Darfur states, which may affect road conditions in some locations and worsen the challenges humanitarians are already facing in accessing people in need. 'With the rainy season continuing through October, the risk of floods, access constraints and disease outbreaks is growing – especially during this critical lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low,' OCHA warned. Families return to West Darfur The agency said that despite the crisis, signs of small-scale returns are visible in West Darfur state, where displaced families have been returning from Chad to three localities – Sirba, Jebel Moon and Kulbus – to cultivate their farms. Furthermore, local authorities report about 40 people returning daily to Kulbus, with 300 arriving over the past week. OCHA urged all parties to enable safe and unimpeded access to all people in need across Sudan, and for donors to step up their support. Some 30 million people nationwide – more than half the population – need vital aid and protection this year. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).

Zawya
01-07-2025
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Sudan: United Nations (UN) warns of soaring displacement and looming floods
At Tuesday's regular briefing at the UN Headquarters, in New York, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric relayed warnings from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs (OCHA), citing urgent concerns across the country. 'Across Sudan, we continue to be deeply concerned about the humanitarian impact of the ongoing fighting, which is escalating displacement and driving needs even higher,' Mr. Dujarric said. Conflict driving displacement Clashes between rival militaries – Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – continue to uproot civilians, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan states. Fighting in El Fasher alone has displaced more than 400,000 people since April, according to OCHA. In June, nearly 8,000 displaced people from North Darfur arrived in Ad-Dabba, putting pressure on overstretched resources and limited access to healthcare, shelter, clean water and food. In North Kordofan, over 16,000 people were forced to flee their homes in Bara between 26 and 29 June alone, while another 16,000 to flee Babanusa in West Kordofan on 27 June, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM). Flood warnings Separately, OCHA warned of increased flood risks as Sudan enters its rainy season, which runs through October. Forecasts point to above-average rainfall, heightening the threat of both riverine and flash floods – especially in areas already facing limited infrastructure and access. 'Any flooding could disrupt road access, hamper aid delivery, and heighten the threat of disease outbreaks during the ongoing lean season,' Mr. Dujarric said, noting that an ongoing cholera outbreak could worsen with the floods. Nearly 500,000 people were affected by floods last year. With the likelihood of a repeat or worse this season, Mr. Dujarric said humanitarian agencies are ready to respond 'where access and resources allow,' but warned that critical funding gaps are hampering preparedness. UN relief visits Sudan Mr. Dujarric also highlighted the importance of recent discussions between Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher and senior SAF and RSF officials. Mr. Fletcher appealed for a humanitarian pause to allow lifesaving aid to reach people in El Fasher, which has been besieged by the RSF and cut off from assistance since last April. 'Our humanitarian colleagues underscore that we will continue our engagements with the aim of facilitating the swift and safe delivery of aid to all those who need it,' Mr. Dujarric said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.


Emirates Woman
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